2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 945 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Dakota | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2537 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 61 L |
